Garate pulled clear of rival Voigt in the final metres on Friday

Garate had ridden up the mountain pedal for pedal with Jens Voigt but pulled clear in the dying metres for the win.

Voigt's team-mate Ivan Basso maintained his overall lead after another impressive climb alongside Gilberto Simoni, one of his race rivals.

Jan Ullrich struggled with a back complaint and pulled out of the race during the stage.

However, his sporting director Rudy Pevenage insisted the injury would not affect his Tour de France preparations.

Garate was gifted the victory by Voigt, Basso's team-mate, who decided the Spaniard deserved the win having worked harder on the climbs.

After tapping Garate on the back and telling him to go for the win, Voigt said: "I didn't deserve the victory today, He worked for it."

Race leader Basso, meanwhile, admitted his focus had been elsewhere - his second child, Santiago, was born before the stage.

"In these situations, cycling comes second," said the Italian. "My happiness was unbelievable this morning."

Stage 19 results:
1. Juan Manuel Garate (Spain/Quick-Step) 7:13:36"
2. Jens Voigt (Germany/Team CSC) +4"
3. Francisco Javier Vila (Spain/Lampre) +1:21"
4. Tadej Valjavec (Slovenia/Lampre) +1:55"
5. Emanuele Sella (Italy/Panaria) +2:06"
6. Ivan Parra (Colombia/Cofidis) same time
7. Gilberto Simoni (Italy/Saunier Duval) +2:15"
8. Ivan Basso (Italy/Team CSC) st
9. Johann Tschopp (Switzerland/Phonak) st
10. Danilo Di Luca (Italy/Liquigas) +2:19"